Juicing vs Blending

The great debate…. which is best, juicing or blending!? Both have their pros and cons. The good news is, none of the “cons” are all that bad. I mean, it’s pretty hard to go wrong when you’re filling your body with nutrient dense fruits, veggies and other fresh fare!

So what ARE the pros and cons?

While juicers typically separate juice from fiber, the blender simply mixes all ingredients together. Unlike fats, proteins and carbohydrates which our bodies break down and absorb, fiber is not digested by our bodies. It passes basically intact through your digestive system. Fiber is important for a variety of reasons. Fiber can prevent and/or relieve constipation. It also helps in maintaining a healthy body weight and lowering your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fiber is typically found in fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains. Adding more fiber to your diet can help lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. According to WebMD, women age 50 or younger should consume 25 grams per day (21 grams if you’re over 51 years old). Men age 50 or younger should consume 38 grams per day (30 if you’re over 51 years old).

While blending supports digestive health by “sweeping” toxins through the digestive system, juicing is said by some, to provide the body with instant infusion of vitamins and minerals (this last part is debated frequently). Because juicing removes fiber, it actually gives the digestive system a break. This allows for the digestive tract to repair itself.

By consuming the entire fruit and vegetable from blending, you’re more likely to stay satiated for a longer period of time. This also means lasting energy! On the flip side, when you juice fruits and veggies, the removal of the fiber allows you to pack in more of them without filling up.

Ok so let’s break it down a little simpler:

Blending Pros:

Most blenders are relatively inexpensive, costing anywhere from $20-$130.

It takes less time to prepare and clean up when blending.

The high fiber content keeps blood sugar levels from spiking as high, which is especially important for diabetics.

The higher fiber content prevents and relives constipation.

The high fiber content also helps maintain a healthy body weight, lowers your risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes.

Due to it’s minimal fiber, it requires very little digestion, giving the digestive system a break.

Juicing can make it easier for individuals to get enough fruits and vegetables into their daily intake.

If you are especially sensitive to fiber, juicing may be a better way to go.

Some experts believe that juicing makes it easier for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals.

Juicing Cons:

Juicing can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which is especially bad for diabetics.

Juicers are fairly expensive. They can be as pricey as $500.

In many cases, preparation and clean up time can be lengthy.

The lack of fiber can leave you feeling hungry relatively soon after consuming the juice.

A majority of fiber and antioxidants are removed during the process.

Soooooo….. To juice… or to blend..? I say, both! As with anything, moderation is important. You shouldn’t try to survive solely on a juicing or blending regimen. But consuming a blended or juiced beverage each day shouldn’t be a problem. (As with any new diet plan, always check with your doctor first! Especially if you are diabetic or have other health issues!) I personally will blend myself a shake when I get a sweet craving and want a healthier fix. It keeps me full and I always feel energized afterward. There are such a wide variety of recipes out there for both blending and juicing, so don’t be afraid to do some googling and exploring! Pinterest is another great place to find new, delicious recipes! Enjoy! =)

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About Me

My name is Savannah Rose Neveux. In college, I went from a wild and crazy party girl to a health and fitness lover! With my newfound passion for this lifestyle, I hope to motivate and inspire as many people as I can to become healthy and active! =)